Massachusetts State House in Boston

The Massachusetts State House in Boston in November, 2021. – photo by Joe Alexander
The Massachusetts State House in Boston in November, 2021. – photo by Joe Alexander
The Massachusetts State House is in downtown Boston, just across Beacon Street from Boston Common. This building is also known as the New State House.

The building was completed in 1798. The interior was renovated in 2014. There is currently work going on outside the building.

Park Street Church in Boston

Park Street Church in downtown Boston. – photo by Joe Alexander
Park Street Church in downtown Boston. – photo by Joe Alexander
Park Street Church in downtown Boston was founded in 1809 near one end of what is now known as the Freedom Trail.

The church is located across from historic Boston Common at the intersection of Park Street and Tremont Street. The 217-foot-tall steeple is visible from much of Boston Common. It is now dwarfed by many of the city’s modern buildings.

The church’s engagement efforts include a homeless outreach ministry and a food bank.

Park Street Church website: www.parkstreet.org

Boston Common in autumn

Citizens of Boston purchased the land for Bostom Common almost 400 years ago. – photo by Joe Alexander
Citizens of Boston purchased the land for Bostom Common almost 400 years ago. – photo by Joe Alexander
Boston Common is one of the best known city parks in the world and is older than the United States.

Citizens of Boston purchased the land in 1634 for the purpose of having a shared area to graze cattle.

I’m guessing the days of cattle grazing on the Common are long gone, I least I didn’t see any.

A few of the trees were showing their autumn colors during my recent visit in the first week of November.

Galveston 1900 Storm Memorial

Galveston 1900 Storm Memorial on the seawall by artist David W. Moore. – photo by Joe Alexander
Galveston 1900 Storm Memorial on the seawall by artist David W. Moore. – photo by Joe Alexander
Galveston was devastated by a hurricane in 1900.

A century later, the Galveston 1900 Storm Memorial was dedicated on the seawall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

The memorial survived another major hurricane in 2008.

Galveston Island animal art

Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar facing the beach in Galveston. – photo by Joe Alexander
Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar facing the beach in Galveston. – photo by Joe Alexander
Animal art is common in Galveston near the beach – both at businesses and in public places. Most of it reflects the island’s relationship with the sea.

Sailing ship ELISSA in Galveston

The sailing ship ELISSA docked in Galveston, Texas. - photo by Joe Alexander
The sailing ship ELISSA docked in Galveston, Texas. – photo by Joe Alexander
The three-masted sailing ship ELISSA was built in Scotland in 1877 and now calls Galveston home. ELISSA is the Official Tall Ship of Texas.

A man, his best friend… and hopefully some fish

A fisherman takes advantage of a calm morning in Galveston, Texas. - photo by Joe Alexander
A fisherman takes advantage of a calm morning in Galveston, Texas. – photo by Joe Alexander
A series of jetties project out into the Gulf of Mexico from the seawall in Galveston, Texas.

The jetties help stabilize the seawall and slow erosion – as well as providing convenient places to fish.

Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona. - photo by Joe Alexander
Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona. – photo by Joe Alexander
Montezuma Castle is the name given to cliff dwellings near Camp Verde, Arizona.
The park is listed as a National Monument and part of the part National Park System.

It is located off Interstate 17 about 90 miles north of Phoenix.

If you are driving north from Phoenix toward Sedona or the Grand Canyon, this is an easy stop along the way.

National Park Service: Montezuma Castle